West Ham defender Declan Rice has received his first international call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad.

After making his debut for the Hammers on the final day of last season at Burnley, the 19-year-old has impressed when called upon by Slaven Bilic and David Moyes over the course of the season.

Given his displays in his 23 appearances in all competitions for the club since August, there was even talk that Gareth Southgate would try and tempt him to play for England.

However, amid fears that Rice would switch to the country of his birth, The Times reported back in January that the defender had told the FAI that he sees his international future with Ireland.

Having played international football since Under-16s, Rice is now in line to make his international debut against Turkey later this month.

West Ham defender Declan Rice (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Named as one of five new faces in Martin O'Neill's provisional 30-man squad, the youngster will have his fingers crossed that he make his international debut having trained with the senior squad over the past 12 months.

While he could feature against Turkey, O'Neill confirmed that Rice will return to play for the Under-21 side against Azerbaijan a week later, as well as also indicating that he could reverse his decision and still elect to play for England.

"I think that's a point worth mentioning. I would never take anything for granted. In my experience here, talking about young Grealish for instance," said O'Neill, as reported by the Independent.

"He made a decision at a particular time. I accept that. When you're talking about Declan. This is still a friendly game and he still has his opportunity. I wouldn't presume anything at all until someone says this is exactly what I want to do. I would be hopeful that's the case.

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"He's coming for us. He will come with us and wants to play in the U21 game, and happy for that to be the case."

Following his performances for the Hammers so far this campaign, the news that he has received an international call-up for the senior squad has gone down well with both West Ham and Ireland supporters.